Young Achievers – Raabia Ravat
Shukran, I am grateful for this opportunity to
share my humble story - My name is Raabia and I
am 14 years old. Despite assumptions, I haven't
had an easy life at all. Through time I have
experienced much and learnt many life lessons.
Unlike modern day kids, I don't even know what it is like to receive an
allowance. I have always earned my own allowance for my needs, which is
basically books, craft items, sneakers and of course sugary treats for my
sweet tooth. A humble beginning and bullying issues did not deter me from
becoming an entrepreneur.
When I was in grade seven, my school hosted an entrepreneur's day
and I chose to make lemonade with all the lemons that life is
constantly throwing at me! My group of so-called friends all isolated
me at the umpteenth hour because my idea was far too boring for
their liking. I stood my ground and proved my point that following
your heart leads to success. My loyal friend Kaitlyn joined me with
her crafty home-made sweets. We also allowed another bullied girl
to join our group as we knew what it's like to be bullied and isolated
by peers.
I sold out 30 litres of refreshing lemon
& lime punch, dozens of mini pizzas
which I made till 4 'o clock that
morning and mouth watering chilli bites
made from my grandmother's secret
recipe. Unity is strength, so our
collective profits far exceeded what we
had expected. We had the busiest stall
and a truly memorable day, despite dark
under-eye circles and all the
disappointments prior to the event.
I believe that 'necessity is the mother of
invention'. At the tender age of 6 years
my mother sold strawberries, coriander
and curry leaves from her little garden
patch for her own pocket money. My
mother has always taught me to be self-
reliant, to be productive and to strive to
make a difference in the lives of others
especially the disabled.
With this in mind, I started my own
business journey at the age of seven. I
sold personalised labels and stickers to
my educators and classmates for pocket
money and for my eraser addiction at the
time. I utilised my additional profits to
gift my Mum's Special needs Madressa
learners with personalised labels and
with books.
Few people will ever utilize what talents they have to make a difference in the world. I see my book business as
an opportunity to channel my energy into being a role model for all the young girls and women out there. My
vision is to inspire aspiring young girls to follow their hearts and their dreams. My dream is to become a
paediatric doctor, In Sha Allah.